Overview & Reviews

The Scion brand was created in 2003 by Toyota as a way of connecting to younger buyers with savvy tastes. One of its launch vehicles, the Scion xA, was an inexpensive hatchback marketed through hip promotions that emphasized its unique style. Owners could customize the xA with more than 30 accessories available at Scion dealers. Even with this strong pitch to trendsetting youngsters and auto enthusiasts, the Scion xA soon gained a reputation as a sensible subcompact with premium build quality and standard features.

Most recent Scion xA

Launched as a 2004 model, the Scion xA lasted just one generation, as Scion sought to keep its youthful portfolio fresh. A refresh occurred in its final year of 2006, so older xAs have some visual differences and some slight variations in the interior features, including the Pioneer sound system, steering wheel, speedometer and seat fabric.

The Scion xA came in one body style -- a four-door hatchback. For a subcompact, the xA had a noticeably upscale look and feel. The gauge pod resided in the center of the dash and glowed amber, while the dashboard had a contemporary appearance, with faux aluminum trim tastefully placed down the center console, door panels and steering wheel. The seating position was high, and headroom and legroom were decent in both the front and rear. But you couldn't haul too much cargo, with just 11.7 cubic feet of hatch space behind the rear seat.

The xA was also well-stocked with standard features, including air-conditioning; antilock brakes; power door locks, windows and mirrors; a rear wiper; and rear window defogger. Scion also provided the xA with a premium stereo -- a sound system with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary input jack. Among the optional equipment was an 8-inch subwoofer, an iPod adapter, satellite radio and an airbag package with front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Power for the Scion xA came from a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 103 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission was standard and a four-speed automatic was available as an option. With either transmission, the Scion was pretty frugal, with EPA city estimates of 31-32 mpg and highway ratings of 37-38. For those looking to improve the xA's performance, Toyota Racing Development, Toyota's in-house performance department, offered quite a few parts, including intake and exhaust, shocks and lowering springs, and a performance clutch.

Buyers could also customize their xA's appearance with dealer-installed accessories such as a rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a variety of wheel covers, sport pedals and shift knobs.

In our review of the Scion xA, our editors found it to be quite a competent commuter. On highways, the ride was smooth. The small engine didn't provide much passing power, but around the city, the xA offered plenty of pep. It also maneuvered nicely on surface roads, with a surprisingly tight suspension for an econobox and precise steering. In more extreme cornering situations, the xA felt a bit wobbly, but TRD performance suspension components were available to remedy the condition.

User Reviews:

• 

  Good Value - 2005 Scion xA
  By Jim H - May 15 - 8:13 am

  When I first saw the Scion line at an auto show a few years ago, I thought they were ugly. But theyve really grown on me. When it came time to get a new car I didnt want to spend a lot of money but I wanted something comfortable, cool looking and economical. I felt myself being drawn to the xA. Knowing nothing about it I test drove it and really like the styling and handling. Plus it came loaded with EVERYTHING-standard! The no hassle buying was also a HUGE plus. I put a little extra in and got a power moonroof. This loaded little beauty came in under $16,000! I couldnt be happier.

• 

  Scion xA Release Series 1.0 Rocks - 2004 Scion xA
  By Jamison - May 12 - 6:16 pm

  Weve only had this car for a few weeks, but have totally enjoyed it. Even though the sticker (and the dealer) said wed only get 31-36mpg weve found that using 89 octane instead of 87, and driving sensibly have gotten us an average of 38-43 mpg. The car is fun! It is packed with lots of nice standard features and the RS 1.0 version adds a nice "moon roof", cool wheels, and much more agile handling than the standar Scion xA. I with that it came with cruise control though. Weve added the cold air induction system and gotten a lot better acceleraton with no apparent negative effect on gas mileage. There arent many Scions around here so no one seems to know what it is. Its easy to find in a parking lot full of look alikes.

• 

  SCION xA 2004 - 2004 Scion xA
  By GWMERKLE. - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE SMALL CARS AND THIS IS THE BEST SMALL CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED. IT HAS EVERYTHING ON IT AND I DIDNT THINK THAT I WOULD LIKE THIS, BUT I DO. IT IS A REMARKABLE CAR.

• 

  WOW!!! - 2005 Scion xA
  By MIB - May 7 - 7:26 am

  I was looking to get into a MINI Cooper, but found the prices a bit much. For about 8 grand less, I found this xA Special Release Edition. Fell in love at the first corner I turned. This car HANDLES!!

• 

  The best car ! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Dimon - May 6 - 5:40 am

  Before I had maxima 1998 - it was dragon with gas. With my xa I do not remember when I put gas into my car. I love size of the car, it is comfortable. It is easy to park in NY.

• 

  Best Kept Secret in Affordable Cars - 2006 Scion xA
  By joe - April 27 - 12:30 pm

  Toyota did a great job designing this car. For the price it is simply hard to beat. It is simple, versatile, economical and does not feel in any way cheap. Its $20,000 worth of car for $14,000.

• 

  ABOVE AVERAGE - 2005 Scion xA
  By THOMAS DELORETO - April 18 - 10:56 pm

  HAS AS MUCH LEG ROOM AS A MINI VAN AND RIDES AND DRIVES WELL. MILEAGE NOT AS RATED. GREAT RADIO AND CD.

• 

  Awsome Little Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By econobox - April 18 - 5:00 pm

  You cant go wrong with this city car. Our primary family car for three years with two huge Britax Boulevard seats. Swallows cargo with the rear seats down. Good pick up. Handling is sprightly and easy. Bumpy ride. Its a city car, not a long distance one. Seats are comfy. AC is weak but gets the job done. We have a dark color which is party to blame. Just tint the windows. Fuel economy with the AC running constantly, California gas, and making short trips in stop and go varies between 29 and 31. Our 528i gets 19 mpg in the same situation. Freeway mileage is more like 33-35, but I dont drive slowly. Excellent visibility with tall seating. Tons of headroom; Im 6, 5 wife loves it too.

• 

  Love It - 2005 Scion xA
  By Karyn - April 8 - 9:30 am

  The scion xA is a fun, zippy little car that Ive enjoyed driving since day one. We moved from a minivan to the xA and when I saw it, I almost dismissed it as ridiculous because of its size, but this thing feels much larger than it is. Its not a very powerful car, but for my needs, it works for me. The gas mileage, driveability, and appearance make up for what it lacks in horsepower.

• 

  Scion XA - 2006 Scion xA
  By Fuel Saver - March 23 - 9:03 pm

  This vehicle sure surprised me,we took it on a trip Tampa-Orlando with full tank,drove around with AC going,for a week-end,the Parks,shopping,clubing, the works,then back to Tampa,arriving with just about half of a tank left,the ride to and from was also surpisingly smooth,and with the windows up surprisingly quiet,we enjoyed the ride,all four of us,it was a"guys week- end"without the girls,lucky us...the